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This building in downtown Salem houses the central offices of the Oregon State Marine Board. (Oregon State Archives Photo)

Present Duties

﻿The State Marine Board is Oregon’s recreational boating agency, serving the recreational boating public through education, enforcement, access and environmental stewardship for a safe and enjoyable experience.

The board was established in 1959 to promote safe boating. Its governing board consists of five members, appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate. Board members adopt laws for boat operation, allocate grant facility funds and authorize the agency’s budget. The agency receives no General Fund dollars. Registration fees and fuel taxes pay for marine patrol enforcement, boat
ramp facilities and restrooms, and educational and environmental programs.

The board’s office in Salem, under the leadership of the agency director, serves boaters throughout the state. A staff of 40 employees are dedicated to making Oregon’s waterways accessible, safe and enjoyable for the boating public.